Papillion vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Papillion	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$109,602	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$331,502	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$149	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$878	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	87.3	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.2	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	312.5	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	48.1%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	25	40

Philadelphia vs. Papillion: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Philadelphia—a gritty, historic, 1.5-million-person beast where the cheesesteaks are legendary and the energy is palpable. On the other, Papillion, Nebraska—a quiet, affluent suburb of Omaha with a population barely cracking 24k, where the vibe is "safe, steady, and spacious."

This isn't just a choice between two cities. It's a choice between two entirely different philosophies of living. Are you chasing the pulse of a major East Coast metro, or are you looking for the peace, quiet, and purchasing power of the Midwest? Let's break it down.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Small-Town Polish

Philadelphia is the definition of a major American city. It’s the City of Brotherly Love, but it has a chip on its shoulder. It’s loud, diverse, and unapologetically real. The culture is a deep stew of history (it’s where the Declaration of Independence was signed), world-class arts (The Barnes Foundation, The Philly Museum of Art), and a fierce local pride. The lifestyle is fast-paced. You walk everywhere, you take the SEPTA subway, and you’re never more than a few blocks from a great dive bar or a Michelin-star restaurant. It’s a city for people who thrive on energy, anonymity, and endless options. Think: young professionals, creatives, and anyone who gets antsy in the suburbs.

Papillion, on the other hand, is the picture of suburban tranquility. It’s not a destination; it’s a place to plant roots. The vibe is family-centric, safe, and orderly. Life revolves around community events, top-rated schools, and quiet evenings. You drive everywhere. The biggest cultural events are at the nearby CHI Health Center in Omaha or a summer concert in the local park. Papillion is for people who prioritize space, safety, and a predictable, comfortable life over the buzz of nightlife. Think: young families, established professionals, and retirees who want a low-stress environment.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the urban explorer. The person who wants world-class food, history, and a dynamic job market at their doorstep and is willing to trade square footage for it.
• Papillion is for the builder. The person who wants a larger home, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community, and who is willing to trade walkability and diversity for it.

The Dollar Power: Where Your Salary Actually Buys More

This is where the rubber meets the road. On paper, Papillion boasts a staggering median income of $109,602—nearly double Philadelphia’s $60,302. But income is only half the story. The real question is purchasing power: how far does your paycheck stretch?

Let's look at the cold, hard numbers for basic living costs.

Category	Philadelphia	Papillion	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$270,375	$331,502	Philly wins on the headline price, but we'll dig deeper.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$878	Papillion is a clear winner here. That’s a 40% savings monthly.
Housing Index	117.8	87.3	Philly is 17.8% above the national average; Papillion is 12.7% below.
Utilities	~$180/month	~$220/month	Papillion pays more for utilities (extreme winters).
Groceries	~12% above nat'l avg	~3% below nat'l avg	Papillion offers better grocery prices.

Salary Wars & The "Sticker Shock"
If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, your effective tax burden is higher. PA has a flat 3.07% income tax, plus a 3.075% wage tax for city residents. Your take-home is roughly $72,000 after state/local taxes. In Papillion, Nebraska, you pay a state income tax of 6.84% (which drops to 5.84% in 2025), but you get the federal deduction. Your take-home is roughly $74,000. The difference isn't huge.

The real magic happens in housing. In Philadelphia, a $270,375 home is likely a rowhome in a decent neighborhood, not a single-family with a yard. In Papillion, that same budget gets you a modern, 3-4 bedroom house with a garage and a lawn. The Housing Index tells the story: Philly is expensive, Papillion is a relative bargain.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: For most people, Papillion offers significantly more bang for your buck. You get a higher income, lower rent, and a home that feels like a luxury in Philly for the same price. Philly’s costs are high, but you're paying for location and amenities.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Heat

Philadelphia: The market is competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown, Queen Village, or University City. It's a seller's market with inventory moving quickly. Renting is common and often the only viable option for many. Buying a home is a serious investment, and you'll face bidding wars. The Housing Index of 117.8 confirms you're paying a premium for the address.

Papillion: The market is stable and leans toward a buyer's market. Inventory is healthier, and you have more negotiating power. The median home price is higher than Philly's, but you're getting a much larger, newer property. The Housing Index of 87.3 means you're getting good value. Renting is an option, but it's less common; the city is built for homeownership.

Who wins? If you're looking to buy a single-family home with a yard, Papillion is the clear winner. If you're okay with renting or buying a compact rowhome in a vibrant urban core, Philadelphia is your play.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

This is where the cities diverge most dramatically.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Traffic is notorious. The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) and I-95 are legendary for gridlock. Commutes can be long and stressful. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but aging and sometimes unreliable. Walkability is excellent in center city.
• Papillion: The commute is a breeze. You're a 20-minute drive from downtown Omaha. Traffic is minimal. You will be driving everywhere—there is no walkable downtown core.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: The weather is moderate but fickle. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters bring snow and icy mixes. Spring and fall are beautiful but short. The average annual temp is 52.0°F.
• Papillion: Welcome to the Midwest. Winters are severe, with bitter cold and significant snowfall. The average annual temp is a chilly 28.0°F. Summers can be hot and humid. The weather is a major factor here; you need to be prepared for all four seasons in their extremes.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: This is the elephant in the room. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k—more than double the national average. It is a city of stark contrasts. Some neighborhoods are incredibly safe, while others struggle with crime. You must be aware of your surroundings.
• Papillion: This is one of Papillion's strongest selling points. The violent crime rate is 312.5 per 100k, which is below the national average. It is consistently ranked as one of the safest places to live in Nebraska. Parents can let their kids play outside without worry.

The Dealbreaker Verdict: If safety and easy driving are your top priorities, Papillion wins in a landslide. If you can handle the urban grit and traffic for the cultural payoff, Philadelphia remains an option.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Papillion

This isn't even close. With top-tier schools, low crime, affordable single-family homes, and a safe, community-oriented environment, Papillion is built for raising kids. The higher median income means more financial stability. The trade-off is a lack of urban amenities and brutal winters, but for many families, it's a deal worth making.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia

If you're under 35, career-focused, and crave social and cultural stimulation, Philadelphia is your arena. The lower rent for a 1BR (though you'll share a space), endless networking opportunities, and vibrant nightlife are unbeatable. You can build a career and a life without ever needing a car. The higher crime rate is a concern, but it's part of the urban package.

Winner for Retirees: Papillion

For retirees, safety, cost of living, and peace of mind are paramount. Papillion offers a low-stress environment, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. The colder weather is a downside, but the overall quality of life for seniors is exceptional. Philadelphia’s higher taxes, traffic, and urban density can be overwhelming in retirement.

---

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia

PROS

• World-class food, arts, and history
• Walkable, vibrant neighborhoods
• Major job market (healthcare, education, finance)
• Excellent public transit (in center city)
• No need for a car

CONS

• High violent crime rate (726.5/100k)
• Traffic congestion and aging infrastructure
• High city wage tax
• Competitive and expensive housing market
• Humid summers

Papillion

PROS

• Extremely safe (312.5/100k violent crime)
• Excellent schools and family-friendly
• High median income ($109,602)
• Affordable, spacious housing
• Low traffic, easy commutes

CONS

• Harsh winters (28.0°F avg)
• Car-dependent lifestyle
• Limited cultural/nightlife options
• Less diverse
• Isolated from major coastal cities

The Bottom Line: Choose Papillion if you want a safe, affordable, family-oriented life with more house and less stress. Choose Philadelphia if you crave the energy, culture, and opportunity of a major city and are willing to pay the price—in money and safety—for it.

The data doesn't lie: Papillion offers better financial purchasing power and safety. But Philadelphia offers an experience that data can't fully quantify. The choice is yours.